Forza Horizon 6 seems “harder.”

I’m someone who usually plays on expert level, I consider myself decent at the game, usually placing at least 3rd in online races. I’m not anything special but I have noticed FH6 seems a bit harder, maybe a bit more grindier and I’m wondering if anyone else has noticed?

I’m finding myself working much harder to 3 star PR stunts and the AI seems to be much more aggressive, even sometimes straight up ramming me.

Ultimately, I’m not complaining, has anyone else felt this way?